unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak How to pronounce unpack (audio)
unpacked; unpacking; unpacks
Synonyms of unpacknext

transitive verb

1
a
: to remove the contents of
unpack a suitcase
b
: unburden, reveal
… must … unpack my heart with words …—William Shakespeare
2
: to remove or undo from packing or a container
unpacked his gear
3
: to analyze the nature of by examining in detail : explicate
unpack a concept
4
: decompress sense 2
unpack a compressed file

intransitive verb

: to engage in unpacking a container
unpacker noun

Synonyms of unpack

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Examples of unpack in a Sentence

It's been a year since I moved here and I still haven't unpacked all of my books. I unpacked my suitcase as soon as I arrived home. By the time we got to the hotel, I was too tired to unpack. She's good at unpacking complex concepts.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The series will unpack complex policy shifts through reporting and analysis, spotlighting critical races, high-stakes measures and key power struggles across the state. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 The series unpacks the subterfuge and secrecy required to record the interviews and how Diana and Colthurst were on high alert while making the recordings, Barefield explained. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 Jon Stewart set his sights on AI on the latest episode of The Daily Show, unpacking the threats posed by the technology and Donald Trump‘s mediocre reaction. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026 Authorities continue to unpack the details around the harrowing incident, many of which remain murky. — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpack

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpack was in the 15th century

Rhymes for unpack

See All Rhymes for unpack

Browse Nearby Words

unpacific
unpack
unpadded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unpack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpack. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unpack

verb
un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak How to pronounce unpack (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to separate and remove things packed
got home and unpacked
2
: to open and remove the contents of
unpack a trunk
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